Tuesday, April 13, 2010

You just can't beat free furniture! I really liked our other table too, but it was getting too small for our growing family. This one has a leaf so we can comfortably seat 8. Wahoo!!

Saturday was a crazy day! I was really tired after doing a long run with Ty, but I was too excited to get started on this table so I went ahead and dragged it outside for some fun sanding.

Sanding is kind of like exercise. It's not to love while your doing it, but the results are exciting. At least it was a flat surface.

A great big PHEW when I was finally done. I carried it inside and The Joe says,"already done with the whole thing?? That was so fast". Ummm...it sure didn't feel fast.

I decided to try my hand at staining. I am normally a painter, so I thought it would be smart to learn some new mad staining skills. I've only ever stained one table in my life and that was about 5 years ago. I bought some black stain with poly included. Nice! All in one step. I brushed it on with a sponge brush and in between coats rubbed it lightly with a 600 grit piece of sandpaper.

As The Joe and I were trying to fall asleep last night I asked him if he thought I should sand the edges. I wanted to, but he's more into the contemporary look and I know he liked the shiny black top nice and crisp. He said if I did it to make sure and rub the edges with stain so that it wasn't such a sharp contrast. He was spot on with that one.

Here's the sanded edges without gel stain:

And here's what it looks like with stain:

So rich and lovely

I also sanded in between each leaf to break up the monotony of the black.

Oh, it's so much fun having a brand new table that will fit everyone! Thanks Mom and Dad.

The only problem is I can't bear to put our raggedy chairs up to it! I just might have to find something to replace them.

Thanks for stopping by today! Make sure and drop back by tomorrow so I can officially explain and invite you to the Parade of Homes blogland style that we'll be hosting at the end of the month!!

Hey andy! thanks for you so kind words about my faux clock! Very sweet!btw did you know that when your comment comes to my e-mail inbox, I am unable to access your page through your link?Usually when I open the e-mail, I can click on the name and it takes me to the blogger profile. Yours says profile unavailable or something like that. Just wanted you to know.have a great day!gail

Your table looks amazing. I so love anything black and the stain looks perfect. I'm having my very first linky tomorrow. It's about organizing. If you have anything to link past or present I would love it. I'm nervous I'm going to be the only one at my party. Thanks!

Oh my heavens! That is absolutely beautiful!!! That inspires me to do something with our kitchen table... The finish has been well-loved OFF by our family. Now that the kids are a bit older, maybe it's time for a refinish? I've got to get emotionally ready for it, though! :-)

I know this is an older post, but I just found your and I love it! I've needed to refinish my kitchen table and would love to mimic yours. I was just wondering if you remember what the gel stain is that you used for the edges was? I'm new to all this!